Van Gaal: “We were the dominant team”

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has said that his side should have made their dominance count in their 0-0 draw with Chelsea.

In a performance described as “very good” by the Dutchman, United had control in the match but failed to take advantage.

The draw at Old Trafford leaves United without a win in eight games.

Van Gaal, who has been heavily linked with the sack in recent weeks, did however state that the showing was much improved from the 2-0 defeat to Stoke on Boxing Day.

“I think it was a very good performance but you have to score a goal and we didn’t.

“We hit the post twice when the keeper was beaten, then had a big chance in the second half and two penalty cases – one handball, one foul on Mata – but didn’t receive a penalty. So we are forcing the luck but still don’t have the luck we need.

“Against Stoke, I have said the first half we didn’t dare to play but that’s a big difference today – we dared to play and pressed a lot.

“We were the dominant team, we created chances, we shot on goal and only gave three chances away. Against a team like Chelsea, with such attackers, that’s not bad.”

Van Gaal was also quick to praise the home fans, despite being heavily criticised by the United support over recent games, and said that he can understand their disappointment:

“They [the fans] applauded the players, I presume, and they were enthusiastic.

“Of course, a lot of fans are disappointed because we need a win; I know that, the players know that, every member of staff knows that, the board knows that – even you know that.

“People are still applauding – not everyone, I have seen that also – but most of them. The most important thing is the players can do what they have done today, then the fans can be satisfied.”

After the game, Van Gaal also said that he will not resign despite the club’s poor form, having said earlier this week that he can “quit on his own.”

However, the United boss also said that he has every confidence in the side to turn their season around:

I cannot have any influence on that [my future].

“I can only work with my players and you have seen that my players are fighting for me and that they have given a good performance.

“Even after this result, the fans were applauding, so I cannot say that I am very much concerned but in this football world, you never know.

“But I have full confidence in the board and in my players. When the players can give such a performance under this pressure, then it is not any reason to resign for me.

“Maybe the media wants that but I shall not do that. It’s not a question of staying, it’s a question of fulfilling my contract.”